A tragic incident unfolded in York on March 5, 2025, when 19-year-old Evan d’Andilly drowned in the River Ouse after spending a night out with friends. His untimely death, just days before his 20th birthday, has raised serious questions about the timeliness and effectiveness of emergency rescue operations in the area.
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Evan, a student at the University of York, had reportedly been socialising with friends before he unexpectedly entered the river at approximately 3:03 a.m. Witnesses who spoke in court recounted that the group had been drinking and walking when the incident occurred. One friend stated, “The next thing Evan had gone over the bridge. It all happened so fast; there was no indication he was going to do this.”
Despite the swift arrival of police within three minutes, efforts to rescue d’Andilly were hampered early on. Officers attempted to throw a ring buoy into the water, but it failed to reach him. Surveillance footage played during the inquest showed Evan struggling in the freezing conditions while calling out for help, with police onshore assuring him that assistance was on the way. Tragically, it was revealed that he stayed afloat for around 20 minutes before submerging at 3:23 a.m., shortly before help arrived.
The timeline of rescue efforts revealed significant delays. The volunteer York Rescue Boat received alerts about the situation between 3:08 a.m. and 3:11 a.m. but did not reach the scene until 3:22 a.m., just moments before d’Andilly disappeared beneath the water’s surface. A fire department vessel had also been notified at 3:07 a.m. but did not arrive until 3:37 a.m., due to its location in Selby, approximately 14 miles away. These delays have prompted scrutiny regarding the adequacy of the local emergency response protocols.
Testimonies from officers highlighted concerns about the rescue logistics. Police sergeant Daniel Stubbs admitted to the coroner’s court that he was not informed about the fire department’s vessel being stationed outside York, contributing to the overall confusion during the emergency. Furthermore, Officer Grace Sylvester was recorded expressing frustration at the slow response from the rescue services.
In light of the incident, Evan’s mother, Lorraine d’Andilly, voiced her heartbreak and frustration at the events leading up to her son’s drowning. She stated, “He fought for another 10 minutes to save his life… I will never understand how a safety protocol can be so flawed.” The family lamented not only the tragic loss but also the complicated circumstances surrounding the emergency response.
The York Rescue Boat, in a statement, expressed profound sympathy for Evan’s family, asserting their commitment to enhancing collaboration with other emergency services to improve safety measures. Similarly, the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service acknowledged the pain felt by the d’Andilly family and emphasised their commitment to learning from such incidents to improve prevention and safety around local waterways.
Evan’s parents have been vocal in the wake of the tragedy, describing their son as charismatic and full of life. Lorraine mentioned the unbearable nature of their grief over the past 16 months, highlighting the void left by his absence. Gordon d’Andilly echoed her sentiments, describing Evan as someone who brought joy to those around him. Despite previous mental health challenges, he affirmed that his son had been in a stable place prior to his death.
As the inquest concluded, North Yorkshire Police conveyed condolences, acknowledging the impact of Evan’s death on their officers who were involved in the rescue efforts. The coroner’s findings are expected to prompt a critical examination of local emergency procedures and community safety measures.
The case of Evan d’Andilly serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely and efficient emergency responses to prevent future tragedies. It underscores the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols and community awareness about water risks. The impact of this incident will resonate deeply within the York community as they seek to honour the memory of a young life lost too soon.